2019-2020 American Legion Department Chaplain, Karen Hutchins

Greetings from 2019-2020 American Legion Department (North Dakota) Chaplain, Karen Hutchins. With great excitement, I assumed the responsibilities at the AL State convention in June 2019. Chances are you have seen me in the North Dakota Veteran’s Home, as I am there quite often, visiting residents, hosting sing-alongs or rehearsing music in the Town Hall, preaching at the Sunday chapel Service or just attending some of the wonderful events there! I look forward to getting to know more of you in months to come, but for now, a bit of my history:

I joined the United States Marine Corps soon after High School graduation. I have been active in the American Legion since 2013, and I now serve as Lisbon Post 7 Adjutant and Chaplain, as well as the North Dakota Department Chaplain. My husband (Hutch) and I moved to Lisbon in 2016, where he pastors First Baptist Church in Lisbon and Forman Community Church in Forman. I lead worship and Bible Studies, and occasionally filling in for him, when he’s away. I have written two books, Protective Custody Miracles Can Happen When God Has You Right Where He Wants You(2006) and No Strings Attached The Unconditional Love of the Savior(coming out soon.).It is my pleasure to present for you, in the Scuttlebutt. a series of original articles I hope you enjoy them.

I look out my dining room window at a magnificent 30-foot Colorado Blue Spruce tree. Although it has been standing for about 20 years, I have admired it for only the past few years, since we moved to this wonderful small town. To me, it is still new, still fresh.

Going into a new year, with our old attitudes and mind sets, can only hinder our progress. Our walk with God is an adventure that changes and evolves moment by moment. If our eyes are looking at unfinished past issues, we can’t see what God is calling us to see today. If we can’t see what He wants us to see, how can we do what He wants us to do?

No matter what the last year was like for you, go forward. If it was good, don’t look back. If it was bad, don’t look back. Either way, don’t look back.

Supper Club

When the weather allows, there are several residents that enjoy going out for “Supper Club.” Upon their return, the residents typically give a report about where they went and how the food was. However, it was not until recently visiting with a resident, that we heard some heart-warming stories about the outings. While at a restaurant/bar in Grand Rapids, ND the residents went to pay the bill for their meal and the waitress said that the bill had been paid by the man at the bar. The group was also given ice cream treats from the owner. At the Black Pelican in Wyndmere, the residents were pleasantly surprised to find out that their meal was paid for by a “Vietnam Veteran." On another occasion, the group was at the Silver Prairie Saloon and the same thing happened, their bill was paid in full by a kind customer. Once at a restaurant in Fargo, a customer paid for dessert for the entire group. Thank you to the people who quietly give back in a way that makes the rest of us feel fed and inspired to share kindness in any way we can.

We are grateful to the community of Lisbon for holding their Veterans, including active, retired, and deceased in high-esteem. Every Memorial Day the community joins together to remember the fallen.

For years we had hundreds of trick-or treaters from the community and surrounding areas come into our building on Halloween. We often ran out of candy within the first hour and spent well over a thousand dollars on this. The residents did not get to spend the time with the kids that they so enjoy, yet they love to see the kids dressed up and excited about getting candy. So a couple of years ago we thought about what we can do to have more interaction with the kids that come. We started our Halloween Bash!! We invite and encourage all the resident’s and staff’s kids, grandkids, great grandkids to come for this day. This event has changed the last couple of years with different games, food and other fun things to do. This year we had trick or treating and then we all went to Town Hall for some treats and BINGO. It was a fun and interactive night with high energy from all the sugar. We will continue to look at ways to make this a fun and spooky time.

Deb Hausauer, Avon Independent Sales Rep and Jim Paulus, Marine Corps Veteran have partnered together to create a “Veteran’s Blessing Bag Mission,” which is now scheduled to be an annual event. Deb is passionate about seniors and veterans and knew that she would like to give back to others that have supported and given to our Country. With this vision, Deb contacted Jim to discuss ideas and together the “Veteran Blessing Bags” were created. The bags are filled with personal care items. The great news is, that with our efforts and those in the community, we will be able to deliver and support 125 Veterans. As we reflect and make our new goal for 2020 I know we can reach even more Veterans.

North Dakota State Veterans Home in Lisbon benefits from BCBSND Caring Foundation Rural Health Grant

Funds received provided exercise equipment and wellness coach.

LISBON, N.D. – North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon was a 2019 recipient of a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation Rural Health Grant. The grant helped fund exercise equipment and free monthly consultations with a personal health and wellness coach for employees.

Employees are able to utilize the workout equipment 24/7 at no cost to them, in order to promote physical activity and wellness. Karlee Richmond, restorative therapy aide, and wellness coordinator stated, “Finding adequate services and fitness training is very difficult in rural communities. This creates a large barrier to rural community residents’ physical health and wellness. Due to the grant funding from BCBSND Caring Foundation, employees are now able to utilize onsite workout equipment at no cost to them to promote physical activity and wellness. We’ve had great feedback from our employees.”

Exercise equipment purchased included a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, and a bench. The workout room also includes a corner for staff to bring their children in after hours to do homework, play, or watch movies while the employee/parent works out.

TAPS

Dwight Bireley

Robert Bristlin

Wade Buttke

Margaret Chesley

Alice Decker

Marvin Donat

Patrick Grandboise

Wallace Hertwig

Leonard Kutz

Ruth Nelson

Austin Robert Peterson

Robert Peterson

Reynard “Hoss” Pierson

Arnold “Verle” Ralston

Menzo Regnerus

Dale Reinhardt

Ann Strander

Ricky Willert

Karl Zerbe